2023 Honda XR150L First Look Preview

Honda has announced the new 2023 XR150L dual sport. Great, because the spring riding season is just around the corner.

Honda has announced the new 2023 XR150L dual sport. Great, because the spring riding season is just around the corner. (Honda/)

Honda has announced a new motorcycle that will excite adventure-seeking riders looking for an accessible and affordable dual sport of smaller proportions: the 2023 Honda XR150L. The newest addition to Big Red’s dual sport line will be available April 2023 in black or white for $2,971.

Honda claims the XR150L has a fuel range of 346 miles.

Honda claims the XR150L has a fuel range of 346 miles. (Honda/)

The XR250L can serve as “an affordable additional motorcycle for veteran riders, campground passage for outdoor-enthusiast families, or around-town transportation for those still relatively new to the world of powersports,” Honda says.

The XR150L is equipped with a simple instrument cluster that is reminiscent of the dashes of old with a scrolling odometer and needle speedometer. No TFT and digital bar-graph speedo here.

The XR150L is equipped with a simple instrument cluster that is reminiscent of the dashes of old with a scrolling odometer and needle speedometer. No TFT and digital bar-graph speedo here. (Honda/)

The XR650L has set an example of reliability that the XR150L strives to emulate with its own carbureted, 149cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine. A piston moves through the 57.3mm bore and 57.8mm stroke within the cylinder to deliver predictable power as riders work their way through the five-speed gearbox. If you’re one for a modern push-button start, the XR150L’s got it as standard and there’s also a backup kickstart.

Related: Honda’s Indestructible 2023 XR650L Rides On

The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Like the larger-displacement XR, the XR150L’s engine is air-cooled and uses a carburetor for fueling.

The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Like the larger-displacement XR, the XR150L’s engine is air-cooled and uses a carburetor for fueling. (Honda/)

To take on either the rough surfaces of poorly maintained city roads or the obstacles of off-road terrain Honda has equipped this with a steel frame, 19-/17-inch wheels, a 31mm conventional fork, and single shock. Travel is 7.1 and 5.9 inches, front/rear, which is substantially less than the 11-plus inches that the 650 version offers, but Honda says this travel is enough to absorb rough terrain while not making the seat height excessive. Seat height is 32.8 inches, about 4 inches shorter than the 650.

A 240mm disc and two-piston caliper up front and 110mm drum brake at the rear pull the reins on the horses. No ABS.

Stowing some equipment on the XR150L’s standard luggage rack could be useful for city rides and weekend adventures alike.

Stowing some equipment on the XR150L’s standard luggage rack could be useful for city rides and weekend adventures alike. (Honda/)

From an initial glance, the 2023 Honda XR150L is well-positioned to attract a broad audience with its road-and-dirt versatility and overall approachability.

Honda will have accessories available for the new dual sport. The list of accessories includes a dual sport tank bag, dual sport saddlebags, hand guards, skid plate, and a 12-volt accessory socket.

Honda will have accessories available for the new dual sport. The list of accessories includes a dual sport tank bag, dual sport saddlebags, hand guards, skid plate, and a 12-volt accessory socket. (Honda/)

2023 Honda XR150L Technical Specifications And Price

PRICE: $2,971
ENGINE: 149cc, SOHC, air-cooled single cylinder; 4 valves/cyl.
BORE x STROKE: 57.3 x 57.8mm
COMPRESSION RATIO: 9.5:1
FUEL DELIVERY: Carburetor w/ 22mm bore
CLUTCH: Wet multiplate clutch
TRANSMISSION/FINAL DRIVE: 5-speed/chain
FRAME: Steel
FRONT SUSPENSION: 31mm telescopic fork; 7.1 in. travel
REAR SUSPENSION: Single shock; 5.9 in. travel
FRONT BRAKE: 2-piston hydraulic caliper, 240mm disc
REAR BRAKE: 110mm drum
WHEELS, FRONT/REAR: Spoked; 19 in./17 in.
TIRES, FRONT/REAR: 90/90-19 / 110/90-17
RAKE/TRAIL: 27.0°/4.1 in.
WHEELBASE: 53.5 in.
SEAT HEIGHT: 32.8 in.
FUEL CAPACITY: 2.8 gal.
CLAIMED WET WEIGHT: 282 lb.
WARRANTY: 1 year
AVAILABLE: April 2023
CONTACT: powersports.honda.com

The XR150L’s radiator shrouds and front fender design is inspired by Honda’s CRF motocross bikes.

The XR150L’s radiator shrouds and front fender design is inspired by Honda’s CRF motocross bikes. (Honda/)

The 2023 Honda XR150L in white.

The 2023 Honda XR150L in white. (Honda/)

The 2023 Honda XR150L in black.

The 2023 Honda XR150L in black. (Honda/)

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com

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